GERD?

[med123]

I'm 27/M.  I'll give you a brief background.  Up till 25, I was in great shape, never had an health issues.  I later developed a series of trigger points in my pelvic area, which referred pain into my abdoman.  The pain was mostly up the left side.  One of my main sore spots was the left side of my diaphram.  I saw a PT, did relaxation, and that seemed to resolve the issue after 5 months of therapy.

Aprox. one month after, I started coughing on a regular basis.  After one week, it was coughing with a funny taste in the back of my mouth from time to time.  I generally only cough as I talked, so an irritative cough.  I saw a doctor, he diagnosed bronchitis.  Took some medication, didnt really help.  Went to another doctor.  He said Nasal Drip.  Took some medication, no help.  The same doctor gave me Prilosac, saying could be GERD.  This is after 2 months of coughing.  I took the medication for weeks, and it didnt help to much, still coughing.  As soon as I went off of it, my mouth started to water alot.  I also for the first time noticed slight heartburn and the taste of bile on my mouth.  I then started to feel GERD symptoms, even up to this day, been about 2-3 weeks or so.

Some of the tests I've had have been H.Pylori and chest xray.  Both negative.  This morning I had an upper GI series, for the possability of a hernia?

I also saw a natropathic doctor.  She said that there is a good possability that I'm having reflux due to my lifestyle.  I'm about 15-20 pounds overweight.  I recently started eating fastfood (never did before) and my life has had a great deal of anxiety and stree lately.  She told me that my body is actually not producing enough acid, therefore, my LES door is open thinking my stomach is empty.  She advised I have 1 table spoon of apple cider vinigar after every meal, change my lifestyle, much more sports, etc.  I have done that.  Within the first week, my cough reduced by 80%.  I was feeling much better.  However, after 2 weeks, I was still coughing slightly, so I decided to try prilosac again.  I've been on it for 4-5 days, it has made my smptoms much much worse.  Heartburn, reflux etc.

1)  Have you ever heard of Prilosac making refulx worse?
2)  Does my condition sound like GERD?
3)  Should I continue with the Natropath Docs. advice.  My main concern is to protect my esophogus.  I'm torn between two complete opposite advice from the Docs.
4.  Is taking DGL Licorice, and drinking Alo Vera gel beneficial to supporting the lining of my esophogus?

Thanks for your help, this site is great!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) I am not aware of cases where Prilosec makes reflux worse.

2) GERD is certainly possible.  A 24-hr pH study is the definitive test for this diease.

3) In most cases, there is little consensus evidence to support a naturopathic approach.  However, if you are not being helped by an allopathic physician, you can consider going naturopathic.

4) There is no data that I am aware of to support usage of those supplements to treat the lining of the esophagus.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b

[Aub]

You said you recently started eating fast food.  Maybe you are eating late at night.  A good GI doctor will tell you to change you diet and eating habits.  They will follow up with medical diagnostic tests.

[boninclyde]

What is un upper GI series? How is it done? Do you know what a 24hr PH scan is and how is it done?

[wassupwassabi]

taking raw honey is also good for supporting your esophageal lining.  I'm not sure if aloe vera is as effective, I've never used it.  DGL helps me with stomach lining issues; I'm not sure about effects on esophagus